What should I do if I have severe menstrual cramps?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 13, 2024
00:00
00:00

In clinical practice, dysmenorrhea can be divided into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. If the patient has primary dysmenorrhea, there are no specific effective treatment plans available clinically. It is recommended that the patient take oral painkillers to alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. If it is secondary dysmenorrhea, the patient needs to immediately undergo gynecological ultrasound and examinations at a local hospital to determine the cause of the dysmenorrhea. Once the cause is identified, an effective treatment plan can be developed based on the cause. Once the cause is addressed, the symptoms of dysmenorrhea will naturally be alleviated.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 32sec home-news-image

Can I take painkillers for menstrual cramps?

Patients with dysmenorrhea usually take painkillers when the pain is severe. Dysmenorrhea is generally treated with painkillers which relieve symptoms but do not address the root cause. If the pain during menstruation does not alleviate, it's not advisable to continually use painkillers. Therefore, before taking painkillers again, it is crucial to undergo relevant examinations to identify the cause of the dysmenorrhea. If the pain is caused by a cold uterus, it is advisable to take medicine that warms the meridians, dispels cold, and relieves pain, and to manage the condition regularly. If the dysmenorrhea is caused by stagnation of Qi and blood stasis, one can take medicine that activates blood circulation, removes blood stasis, and relieves pain before the onset of the next menstruation to properly manage the symptoms. Thus, severe pain can be managed with painkillers. For minor abdominal discomfort, observing the situation generally suffices. If dysmenorrhea gradually worsens, it is essential to visit a hospital for an ultrasound to check for endometriosis. Painkillers can be used during painful episodes of dysmenorrhea, but other times should be managed with appropriate medicines. (Please take medications under the guidance of a physician and do not self-medicate.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
45sec home-news-image

What is the cause of having many blood clots during painful menstruation?

During the menstrual period, the appearance of dysmenorrhea and more blood clots is often due to blood stasis within the body. Some Chinese patent medicines that invigorate the blood and dispel stasis can be used for conditioning. Additionally, some Chinese medicinal ingredients can be used for treatment. It is appropriate to consume some goji berries and longan, which have the effects of invigorating blood, dispelling stasis, and promoting blood circulation. These can greatly help in reducing excessive menstrual blood clots. Normally, drink more water and pay more attention to exercising. Avoid sexual intercourse during the menstrual period. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
48sec home-news-image

What should I do if I experience menstrual pain and vomiting?

The factors causing dysmenorrhea are complex and often include exposure to cold, mental stress, or conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, which can lead to elevated levels of prostaglandins. This increase in prostaglandins causes excessive contraction of the uterine smooth muscles during menstruation, leading to local ischemia and hypoxia, and resulting in pain. This pain is usually spasmodic and can cause nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. When these symptoms occur, pain relief should be the first priority. Additionally, it is important to avoid excessive tension, maintain mental relaxation, and avoid exposure to cold.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
59sec home-news-image

Can you drink milk during menstrual cramps?

Generally, it is okay, but it is recommended to heat the milk before drinking to avoid catching a cold. During menstruation, women can drink a cup of hot milk before going to bed each night, which can help with sleep and alleviate symptoms of painful menstruation. Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition in women, characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, accompanied by backache or other discomforts before and during menstruation, which in severe cases can affect the quality of life. During menstruation, it is important to maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from eating cold foods such as ice cream. It is also important to keep the abdomen warm, possibly using a hot water bottle to apply heat to the abdomen.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
58sec home-news-image

How to regulate menstrual pain caused by a cold uterus?

For menstrual pain due to a cold uterus, the commonly used gynecological formula "Wen Jing Tang" is typically selected. Wen Jing Tang is a standard formula for regulating menstruation and is generally used for cold uterus and painful menstruation due to a deficiency-cold in the Ren and Chong meridians with blood stasis. Its main ingredients include Evodia, Ophiopogon, Cinnamon Twig, Angelica, Chuanxiong, Peony, Moutan Bark, Donkey-hide Gelatin, Ginseng, Licorice, Pinellia, and Ginger. If there is severe cold pain in the lower abdomen, Moutan Bark and Ophiopogon are removed and Artemisia leaves are added, or Cinnamon is used instead of Cinnamon Twig to enhance the effect of dispelling cold and relieving pain. If there is abdominal distension, Cyperus and Lindera are added.